We test Drake & Macefield's venison and red wine pie

Up against the best in the country, the pie won a bronze in the game pie section at the contest held - where else - at Melton Mowbray.

So, what of the Drake and Macefield pie - said by the butchers themselves to be one of their 'lesser-known'?

I carried out a pie test, and here is what I thought.

Venison. If you buy a pie that's venison, mushroom, and red wine, you want plenty of venison, so you know it's different and a bit more special.

The pie's filling (Image: Lesley Tate)

Drake and Macefield's version is an absolute classic game pie. Hearty chunks of tender meat, and I mean good chunks, are in a robust, deep-flavoured gravy and paired with half-button mushrooms.

One pie would be a perfect outdoor elevenses snack for those up to their knees in heather, or needing some meaty goodness while mooching around Skipton market.

The water-based pastry was melt in the mouth - crisp and sturdy, and enough to carry the delicious contents.

A full-flavoured nicely seasoned, but not too salty, pie where the well-matched flavours leave you with a smile on your face.